Trish Thoburn

President

Trish has a bachelor’s degree in business from Emory University and has worked in banking and as a human resources professional. She later became a proud Gator alum, receiving her specialist degree in mental health counseling and is a Certified Career Counselor. Trish has been an active member and served as Chair of the Constituency Board for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of Florida (CARD-UF). She and her husband Eric are the organizers of Archers for Autism which raises money to support autism related causes including CARD. Trish also founded the Independence and Opportunity Network (ION), which hosts monthly bingo nights for adults with special needs. In addition to special needs causes, Trish is a volunteer at the Southwest Advocacy Group (SWAG) Resource Center. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach and hanging out with friends. She and Eric have two adult sons. Their oldest, Nick, has autism. 

Chip koval

secretary

Chip began his career as a pediatric audiologist, with a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. After a few years of clinical practice, he changed career paths and graduated from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. Though now retired, he spent most of his career as in-house counsel with healthcare systems, including twelve years as Deputy General Counsel of Shands Healthcare. Chip is a past president of the North Central Florida YMCA, and a founding board member of GrowHub, a plant nursery in Gainesville, Florida, that employs individuals with disabilities. He also served as chairman of the Housing Task Force of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Chip and his wife, Debbie, have two adult children. Their daughter, Caitlin, has cerebral palsy. She lives independently with in-home support and works at GrowHub. Chip and Debbie have actively promoted Caitlin’s inclusion in the community throughout her lifetime in her education, social life, and housing.

Arlene Smillov

Treasurer

Arlene has a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from The University of Florida and worked as an emergency room nurse at Shands Hospital. After ten years of nursing, she transitioned to insurance and became a claims examiner with the University of Florida Self-Insurance Program. After obtaining her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University, Arlene was promoted to Claims Officer. When Arlene retired in January 2024, she received the University of Florida Medallion Award for her 45 years of service. Arlene has been a parent liaison with Project Saint at Santa Fe College, a special non-degree program for students with special needs that promotes self-advocacy, job skills education, and independence. She has participated in work groups with The Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. Arlene and her husband Marin, a professor at Santa Fe College, have 3 adult children, including Sienna, an adult with autism. She enjoys playing with her grandsons, reading, and participating in the Gainesville Garden Club.

Vicki Gervickas

founder

Vicki earned a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism/English from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and a Master’s Degree in technical communication from the University of Minnesota. She began her career as a technical editor at IBM, ultimately moving into sales. After a career break to start a family and a move to Gainesville, Vicki grew a successful freelance writing business. In 2016, she joined the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as the Director of Public Policy + Grassroots Engagement, working to bring together policy leaders and member businesses in the best interests of the regional community. Vicki serves as the Executive Director for Life Transition Skills, a non-profit devoted to helping young adults with special needs reach their full potential, one of whom is her oldest daughter, Elliott. She is never without a good book, enjoys tennis and gardening, spending time with her husband, David MacPhaul, and traveling to visit younger daughters Erin in Boston and Emery in Chicago.

Catherine West

founder

Catherine West is a dedicated professional in exceptional education and speech pathology. With a Bachelor of Science in exceptional education and speech pathology, she
developed a passion for supporting individuals with diverse communication and learning challenges. Catherine was pivotal in opening the Morningstar program and Lamppost Learning Sensory School in Gainesville. She uses her extensive expertise to tailor educational strategies and interventions for a variety of organizations and clients. In addition to her professional obligations, Catherine loves attending all sporting events, especially cheering for the Florida Gators. A fun fact about her is that she married her best friend and husband, Jason, in a ceremony broadcast on ESPN. She is excited about future projects that will continue to enhance the lives of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

DEBRA KOVAL

BOARD ADVISOR

Debbie graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1979. She has been a Florida resident since 1983 where she has worked in both adult and pediatric ICUs. Debbie and her husband Chip have two adult children, a son Tyler and a daughter Caitlin who has cerebral palsy. Debbie has been a tireless advocate for Caitlin throughout her school career helping her to get the services she needed to complete her degree at Santa Fe College and as an employee of the Grow Hub. Debbie also worked with the Exceptional Student Education department of the Alachua County School Board on accessibility surveys needed to evaluate schools for ADA compliance. Reporting to the Facilities department, she made recommendations for improved access, especially for students with disabilities. She was also a founding member of the Independence and Opportunity Network (ION).